October 6, 2025 : Rishab Shetty’s highly anticipated ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ continues its remarkable run at the box office, holding strong momentum into its fifth day after a blockbuster opening weekend. The film, which crossed the ₹220 crore mark within just three days, is now set to consolidate its position as one of the year’s biggest Indian hits.
Monday Test: Will It Hold?
The crucial Monday test—the day after the weekend surge—often indicates whether a film has lasting power or relies only on opening hype. Industry trackers suggest:
- Collections remain robust across Karnataka and key metros like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
- Family audiences and repeat viewers are driving ticket sales, boosting word-of-mouth momentum.
- Advance bookings show minimal drop, a strong signal that the film has struck the right chord.
Box Office Journey So Far
- Day 1 (Friday): Explosive start with massive opening collections.
- Day 2 (Saturday): Sharp rise, powered by positive word-of-mouth.
- Day 3 (Sunday): Peak crowds as the film stormed past the ₹220 crore milestone worldwide.
- Day 4 (Monday): Strong hold, with only a small dip in ticket sales compared to Sunday, a rare sign of consistency.
- Day 5 (Tuesday forecast): Expected to remain stable, eyeing another ₹25–30 crore nationwide.
Why Audiences Are Loving It
- Cultural Roots: Much like the original Kantara, Chapter 1 explores rich folklore and traditions from Karnataka, resonating with local audiences while appealing to a pan-Indian base.
- Rishab Shetty’s Performance: His dual role as actor and director has been praised for intensity and authenticity.
- Visuals & Music: The background score, folk-inspired soundtrack, and striking cinematography are standout highlights.
- Word-of-Mouth Buzz: Positive social media chatter has amplified curiosity, pushing more viewers to theatres.
Industry Reactions
Trade analysts say the film could become a pan-India phenomenon, with comparisons being drawn to recent blockbusters like RRR and Kantara (2022) itself.
Film critic Anupama Shetty commented:
“What Rishab Shetty has done is extraordinary—he has built a universe rooted in folklore yet cinematic enough to attract modern audiences. This isn’t just a film, it’s a cultural moment.”
Regional and Overseas Response
- Karnataka: Packed theatres and extended shows continue, especially in Bengaluru and Mangalore.
- Telugu States & Tamil Nadu: Strong openings with dubbed versions performing well.
- North India: Steady growth, with metros like Delhi NCR and Mumbai driving ticket sales.
- Overseas Markets: Positive trends in the U.S., Gulf countries, and Europe, where expat communities have embraced the film.
Predictions Ahead
If Kantara: Chapter 1 continues its steady pace through the week:
- It could cross ₹300 crore within 7 days, a rare feat for a regional-origin film.
- Lifetime collection predictions are already being revised upward, with some experts estimating a ₹600–700 crore global run if momentum sustains.
Challenges to Watch
- Competition: Upcoming major Bollywood and pan-India releases may affect screen counts.
- Sustainability: While early response is excellent, sustaining numbers in weeks two and three will be key.
- OTT Release Timeline: The digital streaming window could influence the length of the theatrical run.
Conclusion
Kantara: Chapter 1 has already proved itself a box office juggernaut, breaking records and capturing hearts with its cultural storytelling and powerful performances. With strong weekday collections and soaring audience appreciation, Rishab Shetty’s vision seems set to achieve historic success in Indian cinema.
Summary
Kantara: Chapter 1 crosses ₹220 crore in its opening weekend and shows strong Monday collections. Rishab Shetty’s folklore-driven film continues its impressive box office run across India and overseas.